Ok, I have mentioned before and I won’t tire of mentioning it again that it is so much better to have an experienced guide on a trip to an unknown place. Especially if you have little time and lots to see! In this case, my friends Talia and Jeff knew exactly where to go and we just hired a driver (which, believe me, if you’re planning to taste the wine, you should do it too!) to chauffeur us around to the different wineries. There really was no specific reason why we chose the wineries that we chose to go to, just that some of them where chosen because my friends were members and the others because they were on the way to the ones that they were members at. All of the wineries were great and had amazing wine, some had spectacular view while others offered a gallery and very particular buildings. Even though I went in March I could see the beauty of the place, Summer is the best time to go but I am partial to having the “personalized” experience and avoiding crowds.

Because I really don’t want this post to be extremely long I will mention the wineries and a few of the great things about them without going into much detail… that way, maybe, you’ll be piqued and will want to go see for yourself.

In order, we went to:
1) William Hill
2) Mumm Napa
3) Rutherford Hill
4) V. Sattui
5) Louis M. Martini
6) Ehler’s
7) Rombauer Vineyards

Before I begin, let me give you some pointers… DRINK LOTS OF WATER! Before, during and after! Like exercise, wine dehydrates you, and the more dehydrated the more likely you are to get puking drunk. Unless you will not be drinking, make sure you drink one unit of water per unit of alcohol that you will be enjoying. The next thing, EAT! Make sure you’ve had a good breakfast and that you make time for lunch, I don’t need to tell you that drinking on an empty stomach is dismal to your body. Also, please remember to drink responsibly and to have a safe ride planned.

William Hill had a beautiful setting, very quiet and open. I’m usually a red wine girl but their white won me over! I could’ve sat at their estate for hours… but we had to keep moving.

At William Hill

Mumm Napa had a great assortment of sparkling wines. Between three of us we tasted six of their wines. Mumm also has a little gift shop and you are able to have a tour of their museum/gallery. Again, we had to keep moving so we were unable to stay but I think it would be worth your while to take the tour.

Guess where we are!

Rutherford Hill’s building was what I loved the most about it. The staff was so friendly was quick to joke around with us, which made it even better. They not only had wine but also olive oil. By the time we left there I was already feeling “happy”, I’d had 14 tastes by this time… I’m not a big drinker so it was time to take a little lunch break.

We stopped at V. Sattui, a very popular place to stop and have a repas. I was in heaven! Cheese, bread, wine! Sandwiches and olives with some cheese… that was my lunch. Everything I ate was delicous! Make sure you purchase some stuff to go to enjoy later! I decided against having wine here, although I’m sure it was great I felt I needed a little break.

Cheeses at V. Sattui

V. Sattui Grounds

Next stop was Louis M. Martini where I felt we had the royal treatment! I loved their logo too! I was starting to get tired, but that didn’t stop me from trying three of their delicious wines!

What I loved about Ehler’s was not only their organic wine, or their personalized service, but the fact that 100% of their profits go towards heart disease research. When looking at their logo you will see a little heart within the E. Love it!

Enjoying my wine at Ehler's

Last but not least is Rombauer Vineyards. You can tell by the picture that by this time I was feeling tired and a little tipsy, although not drunk, thank goodness! The setting at Rombauer is what I imagine the view of Las Nubes (The Clouds from the movie A Walk in the Clouds) would look like. Friendly staff and great wine, I saw a pooch walking around (their pet) and that sat just fine with me.

This is where our tour ended, tired, some of us a little drunk but happy we made our way back to our hotel. On our way we stopped at Bouchon Bakery in Yountville. YUMMM!!! Had a couple of their pastries and bought a delicious baguette to go with our cheese that we bought at V. Sattui. It’s a must-stop at the end of your tour!

On our way back from Napa to Los Angeles we drove to the coast, stopped at Carmel and then drove along the coast all the way back. I fell asleep too often to count but I was able to appreciate the views, the elephant seals, the briges and the ocean. Another must! Drive along the California coast!

At Carmel, CA

Now I’ve come to the end of my California adventure. I can honestly say that I will definitely be back. There is just too much to see and not enought time to see it all in one trip!

We drove from Glendale to San Francisco and it took approximately 8 hours. Of course we had to stop a couple of times and were enjoying the scenery on our way there. And I fell asleep in the car (I seem to be doing a lot of that lately… maybe I´m just exhausted from all the travelling. Lol!). You can say that my stay in San Francisco was a whirlwind. We got there just after 3:30 and we had to be at the Symphony at 4:30 for a private tour at 5 (exclusively to members of William Hill winery, my friends are members and I was able to tag along). So, by the time we checked into our hotel and got all dolled up it was time to catch a cab over. Just the architecture outside of the Symphony and the surrounding buildings made it seem like I was in a whole different world all together!  We took a backstage tour of the San Francisco Symphony and by 6 we were ready for dinner… we walked just about a block and a half to the Hayes Street Grill a small restaurant with great service, if you´re on a tight budget it may not be the best place for you but I did splurge a bit to have the whole experience. They were conscious about us having to be outta there to get to the concert. The food was very good and just the right size. 

After dinner we went to the concert, we were there for the American Mavericks… and, call me old fashioned or antiquated, but I didn´t like it. Of course, I don´t like modern dance either and this concert was the symphonic equivalent of modern dance, the tour guide did warn us that some people may find it ”weird” but I was blown away by just how  ”weird” it actually was… It was an experience though, and I´m always open to new experiences.  The concert was over at 10:30… and, sorry, the one thing I did NOT like about San Francisco was the taxi service! For the life of us we could not catch a taxi and had to walk a few blocks (in heels!) to finally get a taxi willing to take us to our hotel… thank goodness! We got there at almost midnight and just in time to shower and get to bed… I did get to work out for 20 minutes (did a quick Turbo Kick while my room mates showered and got ready for bed).

Up and at ´em at 8 and by the time we were ready and had breakfast we left the hotel by 10. Off to Lombard Street (the crookedest street in the world) and some pictures on top of that hill. It was a little nippy out and I´m glad I wore a long sleeved shirt and my pleather jacket. However, by the time I got to Pier 39 I was so cold that I bought a toque (a cute pink one that said San Francisco on it) and put on my little gloves (that, I´m so happy that I did, found them in my pleather jacket pocket.) Pier 39 is home to some nice little shops and restaurants and coffee shops, I of course visited the tea and spice shop and got some high quality teas (like I needed any more! lol!), the pier reminded me a lot of Granville Island but the best thing about Pier 39 is seeing the Sea Lions. Apparently they had left for no reason at all and now they´ve returned. Yay!

Then just a short walk to Fisherman´s Wharf looking at the shops and restaurants on the way. Make sure you try the sour dough there, it´s good! Fisherman´s Wharf has all the fresh sea food that you can imagine! I lunched on fresh Oysters and a cup of THE BEST EVER clam chowder… if you get there you must try it! No matter which restaurant or stand you choose, the chowder is delicious everywhere on the wharf!

From the Wharf a short drive to Ghirardelli Square where I did a short walk through and took pictures of Ghirardelli, the square and Andrea´s fountain… I was disappointed, although not surprised, that the chocolate contains High Fructose Corn Syrup… a huge NO NO in my book, so all I did is look around the shop and didn´t buy any chocolate. But all´s good.

Then it´s where the whirlwind begins, a trip to the Palace of Fine Arts, which had me in such AWE that I couldn´t stop staring! What a beautiful building and place! Only regret was that I had no time to take the guided tour.

From there on to Golden Gate Bridge, walked to halfway across it and came back. It was much more impressive in person than it is on TV or in movies!

Off to Golden Gate Park, which is HUGE so we only saw part of it of course. But the little bit that I saw was great. If I did have more time there I would´ve also loved to take a drive or tour through the park and stop at different spots to explore and take pictures.

Driving around to where there were gigantic Holland windmills (I´ve forgotten the name of the place) and took pictures, then Grace Cathedral where we did take a walk through. And a drive by of China Town and then up to Columbus Tower. Unfortunately the line up for the tower was too long so we gave up and turned around… time to leave San Francisco to our pit stop for the night and off to Napa the next day.

I think that after writing this post I will have to write a whole new one for Napa! So I´ll stop right here and take a breather before continuing my adventure!

My trip began on March 15th. It was no easy feat to get the trip started what with the stupid baggage restrctions having been “revised” once again since I last travelled abroad for a long period of time. Could someone please explain how I can pack for a 4 month trip to 3 different climates, while I´m still working out and teaching fitness classes, with only two 50lbs bags? PLUS, I had to pay for said bags, so the trip was already stressful with me trying to fit everything I need in the bags and trying to bring gifts to the people I would be visiting on the trip. Travelling is already expensive! Why do airlines charge you for every little thing? Baggage, requesting a preferred seat, food, in-flight entertainment? AND if you don´t have a credit card you really are SOL! Flight attendants no longer take cash payment, it all has to be with credit cards… *sigh* it all used to be so simple and enjoyable. Now it´s all a headache. But, since you have to get to where you´re going in a timely manner, there is no other choice but to suck it up and stop complaining (cuz it won´t be changing for the better any time soon). But, that´s that, I travelled from Winnipeg to Vancouver (where I did a 2 hour layover and got a chance to see my sister and a good friend at the airport) then had to clear security again and then customs, and off to California!

I have been to Cali before, once when I was twelve and once 4 years ago where I had a 5 hour layover and my friends took me out of the airport for a sweet ride around. But I had never really had a chance to SEE Los Angeles and travel around the surrounding areas and everywhere else so this trip was extra special. I got to stay at a very good friend of mine and her husband´s place and see a handful of highschool friends too. PLUS I got to visit San Francisco and Napa… yes, all in only one week!

So, L.A´s freeways are scary and annoying with all the traffic. I honestly don´t think I cold live there just because of the stress factor, unless I work and live in the same town and don´t have to commute anywhere. But there are so many things to do there that even if I did live and work in one area it would not be possible for me to stay in one place so that resolution is moot anyway.

On the day that I arrived I had the amazing good luck to go to an official Zumbathon with the one and only Beto Perez! (The creator of Zumba) Prior to the Zumbathon there was a Zumba flash mob at LA Live and I got to participate! The energy of that place was just exhilarating! The Zumba party and ambiance was felt and enjoyed by everyone there! I tell you, if you haven´t aready gotten a chance to participate in a Zumba class or Zumbathon you should run, not walk, to one immediately! It is one of the best feelings in the world!

The next day in L.A. was a late start but I got to go to the Glendale Galeria and, of course, visited Teavana. My Mothership! I did get to look around the mall and also check out the Americana across the street but Teavana was the highlight of that day. LOL! Until then I had never been able to go to a store and always have done my ordering on-line. Being there was even better. The staff is so knowledgeable and they have lots of samples of tea you can taste but beware… if you´re not careful they will talk you into buying more than what you intended to buy!  I walked out of there with 3 new types of tea and one of my favourites to bring to my mom in El Salvador, PLUS, of course, a hot cuppa to take with me. Teavana is one of my favourite tea places (I honestly haven´t met a tea store that I didn´t like… yet.) and if you get a chance to try their teas I completely recommend it! All of their teas (at least all of the ones I´ve tried) are awesome!

Next on the list of things to do was meet up with some highschool friends who live in the L.A. Area for a mini reuinon. Now, I didn´t get a chance to tour even a fifth of the area but the place that they chose to meet at was excellent! If you have an inkling for Salvadoran food and want to get some good dancing in as well then El Baron is the place to go to!  Located at 8641 W. Washington Blvd. in Culver City, CA (that is only one of their locations) it was a great little place. I almost forgot that I wasn´t in El Salvador! The staff was friendly, the food was good and the music was, I will say it again, excellent! All of us were speaking spanish and having a good time. Once the music was playing I could NOT sit still! Exactly what the doctor ordered ! Try the Peperecha dish or just order a couple of pupusas. The horchata drink there was so delicious as well. Everyone ordered something different and were not disappointed at all. But that is just my humble opinion, I will let you make your own opinion. But seriously, if you are in the L.A. Area and are looking for an affordable place to eat Latinamerican cuisine where you can also dance to the latin beats I really suggest you make it to El Baron.

That weekend my friends and I took off to San Francisco and Napa but it will take a whole new post to talk about that! So I will just continue with my L.A. adventures from when we got back.

I had one more day in Los Angeles after we returned from our marathon trip to San Francisco and Napa and it was hard to choose, but my ever lovely friend, Talia, was able to fit a LOT in just one afternoon! We took a drive to the Santa Monica Pier where we enjoyed lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp (always wanted to go there! Lol!) Bubba wasn´t kidding, they have all imaginable shrimp dishes there, and if you order one of their signature alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks you get to keep their souvenir glass that has a lit bottom that flashes different colours, if you can collect them then do! They´re pretty cool! We then drove to Hollywood to see Grauman´s Chinese Theater and the Kodak Theater where the Oscars take place and check out some of the stars on the sidewalk, then a nice little drive to Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory for a picture of the Hollywood sign and to see the site where “Rebel Without a Cause” was filmed. 

The last thing I did in L.A. was check out The Conga Room at L.A. Live for a last night of party and dancing. Maybe it was because I was so excited to go there or maybe because it was a Wednesday night but I was, sadly, disappointed. The space is great and the bartenders and staff are friendly and so efficient (spilled drink on the dance floor? It´s mopped up within minutes to avoid injuries and ruining your shoes!) But because we were going with the hopes of dancing the night away we were a bit distraught to find out that it was Spanish Rock night… which would be good if that was what we were in the mood for. But 3 hours of listening to different groups and even the DJ playing rock left us kind  of annoyed. We still had a good time just hanging out together but if you´re in the mood to dance the night away, my suggestion is to check out the line up at The Conga Room before going and paying the $15 cover charge. (which is the reason why we didn´t leave right away… I mean, we´d paid the cover so we may as well stay. Especially since the door guy said that they were going to play salsa and cumbia later on… he lied).

The dance is something I’ve wanted to do forever but really never to the time to learn it, the music video is great but it can only take you so far in figuring things out, it’s always good to have someone else figure it out and then teach it to you. Right? Lol! And it’s not like everyone knows it! I’ve gone to many a Halloween parties where the song comes on, everyone is excited, but no one really goes into a whole Thriller line dance (I actually tried to do that at an event this year because, hey, I knew the dance now, but people didn’t even try to join… oh well!) so, when someone is willing to teach it to you and a few others it’s always a fun time. Plus they wanted to do a flash mob which is something that I’ve always wanted to be a part of. All I had to do is learn the dance and dress up like a zombie. I did a good job if I do say so myself with just one day to prepare.

Here’s a video of everyone walking on and doing the dance, it’s a bit long to watch but while we were there it felt like it was very quick! I was also a bit surprised that none of the kids there started crying because I was participating and I felt freaked out to see all the living dead walking on…

The video at St. Vital Mall is not as good but it went well. Aside from the amount of security guards around when we started coming in (what would you do if suddenly the mall was overrun by zombies? Lol!) the crowd was bigger and even stopped us afterward because they wanted pictures.

It was an unforgettable experience. Just like the ones I look for constantly (because who wants to experience forgettable experiences, right?). I think that anyone who loves to dance and perform should definitely be part of a flash mob. It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. If you want to do it, then DO IT!

I think that this is the first time in my life where I find that I belong to something bigger than myself! Fitness is so much more than big body builders on steroids chugging back litres of Creatine and/or Whey shakes and pumping iron 8 hours a day! It is an industry that ranges from, yes, those protein-chugging-muscle-heads  to calming and flowy yoga instructors, from kids sports to senior aquafit, from participants that weigh 90 pounds to Sumo wrestlers! It emcompasses so many areas and people of all shapes and sizes that there is a 100% probability that no matter who you are or what you do, you will find something that fits you!  Fitness is about getting you off the couch and moving to keep you healthy! So, I have found the programs that I know worked for me and then some…

My especialty and what I feel so excited to teach every day is what it’s all about for me! Zumba is dancing and feeling like you’re at a dance party, Turbo Kick has the best music mixes that keep you motivated and the cardio kickboxing combos are like a flowing movement from one to the next.  I am currently getting my Aquafit certification to teach water fitness and will be doing my PiYo™ and Bellyfit® certifications later on this year to complement my classes and have a wider selection for my students.  I want to have a full body and mind understanding of what fitness is to be able to integrate that to my classes. I just wish there were more hours in the day to teach! I want to eventually have my Yoga Teacher certification and keep finding other programs that I want to teach! Who knows? Maybe in the near future I will have my own little studio (or co-own one) and bring my passion to everyone who is willing to let me teach!

This road to my inner self has been over 30 years in the making, but I can honestly say that I have NEVER EVER felt so happy and so good about myself before. And all my struggles to find out where I belong, and failing or giving up, have prepared me for this moment in my life, I am healthier, happier and in the best shape of my life since I started this journey, I have met amazing and inspiring people and have forged some life long friendships. I know I am in it for the long haul… and I am looking forward to every single step of the way.

P.S. If you wanted to catch any one of my classes in Winnipeg here is my current schedule until the end of 2011.

Monday
5:45-6:45 pm Zumba Toning at Anunda Studio
7:00-8:00 pm Turbo Kick at Anunda Studio

Tuesday
7:40 – 8:40 pm  Zumba at Shapes on Nairn

Wednesday
6:00 – 7:00 pm Zumba at Silverheights Community Centre on Ness

Thursday
6:30 - 8:00 pm Zumba and abs plus full body stretch at Carpathia School

Saturday
9:30 – 10:30 am Turbo Kick at Anunda Studio

Hope to see you there!

At the Airport just Arrived

I still think that Sin City is one of the best (and inexpensive) destinations for adults, I personally don’t gamble really but I do like the arts and entertainment and, of course, I love to dance so even though this time around wasn’t as amazing as the first time I was there 3 years ago I still know that I will make there again.  I guess this time it wasn’t as much fun because it was a last minute thing. I wasn’t planning on going anywhere until December but it turned out that a friend of mine had to give up her ticket to go to the Salsa Congress happening there in July so I took her place with some coaxing and some feelings of obligation.  With all going on I think it really wasn’t a good idea to go to a Salsa Congress in a city with so much to do! I didn’t want to go to the salsa dance parties because I would have rather hit the clubs and have another awesome Vegas experience, but the friends I was with are very hard core salsa enthusiasts and all they wanted to do in the evening was hit the salsa dance floor. *sigh* oh well. I made the best of it.

Although I didn’t get to go club hopping or see any shows I still was able to enjoy myself on this trip. I did a lot of “family friendly” things though. Went to M&M’s World, The Coke Store, Freemont Street, The Hawaiian Market  and walked up and down the strip.  My favourite thing is still the fountains at the Bellaggio, sitting at their lounge overlooking the fountains and enjoying a drink while you get front row seats at the beautiful fountains. I definitely think that staying at Bellaggio is on my bucket list. One of the things to see before you die!

And athough I didn’t get to see the “Sirens of TI” show at Treasure Island because it rained (yes! it rained in Las Vegas while I was there) or go on the gondolas at The Venetian (still something I want to do with a special someone though) we did catch the Freemont experience light show and the living statues at Caesar’s. Again, I say, 2 days is NOT enough for Las Vegas…

If you do plan a trip there I suggest you go in May or September, when the heat is not so overpowering and when the crowds are a little bit smaller, and that you don’t fly with Allegiant Air. Now, I’ve been travelling in airplanes since as long as I can remember and I’ve never had to “rush seat” myself, as in, find a seat that’s available after the assigned seats (for an extra fee of $15 when you check in) have been taken! I still don’t know how that works with their flight manifests, don’t they have to know where each person is seated? Plus, charging you $2 for a soda is NOT my idea of friendly skies. So, spend the extra $100 and fly another airline, this Latina of the World suggests that! Especially if you have to drive from Canada to the US, stay overnight at a hotel, catch the flight within the US and then, because of weather warnings, have to stay at a hotel again when you return. I really don’t think we saved any money after all that. But, again, knowledge comes with experience.

Food wise, we didn’t do any buffets (the lineups were insane because we didn’t get there early) but did try a couple of things. The Mexican restaurant Gonzalez & Gonzalez in New York, New York had some very good pozole.  And, for the first time ever, I had a Filipino breakfast at the Hawaiian Market on the Strip. It consisted of rice, fried eggs and a choice of something different, I had the squid (because I’m adventurous like that ) and I really enjoyed it!  I do recommend you go to Kapit Bahay in the Hawaiian Market place on the Strip, inexpensive Filipino fast food, something different to try!

So, overall, this trip was pretty exhausting but still could’ve been better (and even more exhausting!). If you’re like me and want to have the REAL Vegas Experience then do some planning, catch some shows and hit the dance clubs, Las Vegas is home to some of the most unique, exclusive and fun clubs in the world and it would be a sin to not go to at least one of them during your visit.

Viva Las Vegas!

I am so excited that I am preparing for the trip a little more than I would any other trip. I really can’t explain why, I’m just doing things a little differently than what I would usually do before a trip. For example I got my “salsa” pants hemmed which cost me more than buying another pair of pants but I really want to wear them since I’ve only ever worn them once because they were too long and I kept stepping on them.  I went tanning… Yes… I went indoor tanning… and after you stop laughing I can tell you about it.   Winter really makes my skin look pasty and I thought, since I will be salsa dancing, I would like to look sun-kissed. There’s a place in Winnipeg called Body Shades that has a great selection of tanning lotions and tanning beds, for my first time I used the Entropy unit that gives you “6x the results”… to tell you the truth I did spend a little more than I wanted to because I did buy lotion and even tattoo protecting balm.  but it really was worth it. I actually did see the results after only 7 minutes. I think I may go again before I leave on Tuesday, I do have a pedicure and manicure there on Monday so I may have to take advantage of another session of tanning.  Other than that, I just have to pack and get ready for 4 nights of dancing and 2 days of workshops in beautiful BC.  Will keep you posted on my activities!

I recently went for dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant and had their “Vietnamese Coffee”, they serve it in a tall glass with condensed milk at the bottom. You get to mix it up and even add more hot water to it if you find it too strong but I thought it was perfect the way it is. The sweetness of the condensed milk mixed with the bitterness of the coffee really worked well, and I thourougly enjoyed it!

My dad used to love his coffee black, and he’s the one who introduced me to cappuccinos. I took great pleasure in preparing his coffee for him whenever he drank it. It really wasn’t a daily ritual by all means, and we never had a coffee maker at home (that I can remember anyway) but I do remember a stove-top espresso maker and the good ole instant coffee and whenever he drank it, which was only once in a while and usually in the afternoon I really liked fixing it for him.

Anyway, I’m getting a little off topic here. My point was that, after having that Vietnamese coffee, I realized how the North American coffee “culture” is really not a culture at all… you go to a coffee shop, ask for an overpriced, over-roasted, fast-food-ized latte and then you’re on your way. Whatever happened to sitting down with a book, a newspaper or a good friend and just savoring the taste and the moment that should come with a cup of coffee?  In the fast-paced “go-go-go” society that we live in now, I think that, if you do happen to drink coffee, you should do it slowly and enjoy it… not just mindlessly chug it down…  So, if you just so happen to have the time and the inclination to do something an itsy bitsy bit different with your coffee, here are a couple of good ideas from all over the world:

Vietnam (can be hot or iced)
Dark roast coffee, finely ground and individually brewed in a small metal drip filter. If you don’t have an indivudual drip filter you can just brew a strong cup of dark roast coffee in your regular coffee maker. 
Pour the coffee into a cup with a quarter to half as much condensed milk as coffee (depending on your taste) mix and enjoy. If you like it iced, just pour over ice.

Café Cubano
Another type of espresso coffee. It’s an espresso shot sweetened with demerara sugar as it’s brewed. Add the sugar to the container into which the coffee will drip.
You can have this coffee “cortadito”, which means small cut, by topping it off with steamed milk. Or as café con leche or cofee with milk, served alongside a cup of hot or steamed milk.

Italian Coffee
Now, Italians take their coffee quite seriously. And they have some variations on serving it. The main Caffe is really an espresso, a small cup of very strong coffee, topped with a caramel coloured foam called crema. My personal favourite, of course, is the cappuccino. Cappucino is a shot of espresso with 1/3 steamed milk and 1/3 foam, I like to top mine off with cinnamon.

French Coffee
Using a french press of course! The coffee is ground a little coarser so it won’t seep through the press strainer. Use two level teaspoons for six ounces of water, pour just enough water over grounds to wet them. Fresh coffee will expand as gas escapes. Pour remaining water and stir. Place the plunger over the press to keep the heat in but don’t press down. Let the coffee brew for 3-4 minutes and then push the plunger down slowly. Pour and drink.

Brazil
If you’ve ever seen the movie “Woman on Top” you may have been curious as to what Penelope Cruz did to the coffee to have the aroma travel as far as it did… It looks like she added cinnamon to it.  Here’s the closest recipe I found to what she was making:
1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1 tsp. salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or a cinnamon stick), condensed milk, 5 cups water, 1 1/3 cups strong coffee.
In a saucepan combine cocoa, cinnamon and salt. Add condensed milk and mix well. Over medium heat stir in water and coffee and heat thorougly but DO NOT boil. Strain and serve.   

Mexico
1/2 cup ground coffee, 1/3 cup chocolate syrup, 1 tbsp cinnamon, 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1 tsp vanilla.
Combine coffee, cinnamon and nutmeg and brew in coffee maker.
In small saucepan heat brown sugar, syrup and milk. Stir until sugar is melted. Pour sugar mixture into hot coffee and add vanilla. Listo!

Café de Olla (Mexico)
In El Salvador we drink “Café de Olla” (Pot coffee) a lot. Even though it originated in Mexico, I like to call it our own.
8 cups of water, 1/2 cup coffee, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, 3 whole cloves, 1 square semi sweet coffee.
Boil water in saucepan, add cinnamon, cloves, sugar and chocolate. Bring to a boil and skim off foam. Reduce the heat to a simmer and add coffee. Steep for 5 minutes and serve.

Now, there are myriad of ways to prepare coffee, Ethiopia, Morocco, Great Britain, all have their own rituals or ways to prepare coffee that are interesting. You can add a shot of whisky here, a dash of Kalhua there, but the ones I’ve listed above are my favourites. Do you have any new recipes for coffee? I’d really love to try them!

Now that it’s January, a new year, I’ve had a chance to cook and bake a couple of times. Seeing as today is the Epiphany, January 6th, I made a traditional “Rosca de Reyes”, which translates as “Spiral of Kings”.  When I lived in Mexico as a child I remember very well going to the neighborhood party on January 6th, Dia de Reyes, (Day of the Kings) and having a piece of bread. The tradition is that everyone gets a slice of bread, and whoever gets the little plastic figurine of the baby Jesus (yup, there’s a little figurine baked in each bread)  has the honour of having a party and making the tamales for February 2nd which is Dia de la Candelaria.  Every kid wanted to get it, I know my parents were not very keen on the idea of making tamales for the whole neighbourhood, and, now that I think about it, in the whole 5 years that we lived in Mexico we never had the honour of getting the little figurine.

Anyway, in the tradition of holiday nostalgia I really wanted to make one… Now, aside from the fact that I used whole wheat flour, hence, making it very dense to eat, it turned out very good. So, here’s my version of a traditional Rosca de Reyes.

Ingredients:
1/3 cup warm water
1 packet of yeast
4 cups flour (2 cups whole wheat, 2 cups white)
4 large eggs, beaten
3/4 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp anise seed
4 tsp vanilla extract
a small figurine (optional)
Candied fruit (I couldn’t find a lot of fruit so I used candied pineapple, figs*,  maraschino cherries, mangoes and apricots)
Maraschino cherry juice

Preparation:
Sprinkle the yeast on the surface of the water and let it sit for 10 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the yeast water, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, salt, cinnamon, anise seed and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms and knead for approx. 5 minutes, then cover and let rise in a warm area until dough is doubled in size, about 2 hours.

Punch dough down and shape into a wreath by rolling it into a log shape and then bending the ends around to form a circle. It should be about 12-14 inches in diameter. If you are using a toy you can insert it by pushing it up through the bottom. Smooth out any lump or tears.

Preheat oven to 350 Celsius.

Add the fruit by laying it out across the top and pressing it in slightly. Let it rise until doubled. Brush top with the cherry juice (or spoon it on top) and bake for approx. 45 mins. 

Ready to Bake

And there you have it, let it cool slightly before serving. It’s a delicious accompaniment for tea or coffee or, of course, chocolate caliente.  I personally really enjoyed it both with a cup of my favourite tea and with a cafe con leche. I did make a couple of substitutions and additions (ie. the cherry juice) but it turned out very well.

Enjoy the delicious Rosca de Reyes!

Ready to Serve! Yumm!